The American Red Cross New Jersey Region has been helping Pedro the Penguin, our lovable youth preparedness mascot, get out in the community to help children prepare for and cope with emergencies.  

Last week, Pedro and Red Cross volunteers visited children at the Dr. E. Alma Flagg Elementary School in Newark, as well as children who participated in National Take Our Children to Work Day at Brother International in Bridgewater.

The Red Cross Prepare with Pedro series delivers 30-45 minute preparedness education programs for children in kindergarten through second grade, teaching little ones how to be prepared and take action for local emergencies, like home fires, floods, wildfires and more. Reading about Pedro’s adventures in storybooks, with the help of some training exercises, children learn basic preparedness concepts like what a smoke alarm sounds like, what to remember in case of a fire or other emergency, practicing deep breathing to remain calm, and more.

In Newark, Pedro educated more than 155 schoolchildren and the team also partnered with the Newark Fire Department as they taught additional fire safety steps and introduced the children to a firetruck. In Bridgewater, approximately 60 children broke into three small group presentations where, in addition to learning about fire safety, they were able to meet Pedro, take photographs with him, and ask him thoughtful questions.

When an emergency strikes, do you know what to do?

Pedro the Penguin and the American Red Cross can help you and your children be prepared and take action for many local hazards. Visit redcross.org/PrepareNJ and the Prepare with Pedro video playlist.